Galaxy S7 Back Button Not Working: How to Fix It

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

If the Galaxy S7’s Back button does not respond, the cause may be a temporary software glitch, an app, or a problem with the touch-sensitive key or its connection. Work through these checks in order, starting with fixes that do not erase data; you will be able to tell when the issue needs repair.

What You’ll Need

Your Galaxy S7 and its charger, if the battery is low.
A clean, dry, soft cloth and clean, dry hands.
Access to Settings and, if needed, a computer or another device for backing up important files.

Step-by-Step

Check whether the button is truly unresponsive. On the lower bezel, tap the Back key (to the right of the physical Home button on most S7 models). Try it in more than one place, such as Settings and the app that first showed the problem. The Back key is capacitive, so it does not click or move. If it works in some screens but not in one app, that app may be frozen or behaving incorrectly rather than the key being broken.
Clean the lower bezel and remove anything interfering. Turn off the screen, wipe around the Back key with a clean, dry cloth, then try again with a dry fingertip. Remove a case or screen protector temporarily if it overlaps the key or presses on the lower edge. Do not use liquid, sharp tools, or strong pressure around the key.
Restart the phone. Hold the Power button, tap Restart, and test the Back key after the phone starts. If the screen is frozen and the usual menu will not open, hold Power and Volume Down together for about 7–10 seconds to force a restart. This does not normally erase data. Do not confuse this with a factory reset; do not select reset options.
Check for a temporary app problem. If the key fails only in one app, close that app and reopen it. You can also go to Settings > Apps, select the app, and tap Force stop if that option is available. Reopen it and test. If the problem began after installing or updating an app, uninstall that app if practical, then restart. Menu labels can vary slightly by software version.
Test in Safe mode. Safe mode starts the phone with downloaded apps disabled, helping identify whether one is interfering. Hold the Power button until the power menu appears; touch and hold Power off, then tap Safe mode when prompted. If the Back key works in Safe mode, restart normally and remove recently installed or updated apps one at a time, testing after each removal. If the Safe mode prompt does not appear, skip this test rather than choosing an unfamiliar boot option.
Install available system updates. Connect to Wi-Fi and charge the phone, then open Settings > Software update (the exact wording or location may differ) and check for an update. Install one only if offered, following the on-screen instructions. Do not interrupt an update. If the phone is already current, continue to the next check.
Use an on-screen alternative while diagnosing. If navigation is difficult, open Settings > Accessibility and look for an assistant menu or interaction option that provides on-screen navigation controls. Names and availability vary by software version. This is a temporary workaround, not a repair to the physical Back key; turn it off later if you do not need it.
Back up your data before any reset. Copy important photos, contacts, and files to a trusted backup location or use the phone’s available backup service. Confirm that the backup completed and that you can access it. A factory reset erases data on the phone, so do not proceed until you have a verified backup and account details needed to set the phone up again.
Consider a factory reset only as a last software test. If the Back key still fails in Safe mode and after updates, and you are comfortable restoring the phone, use Settings > Backup and reset or the similarly named reset section, then choose Factory data reset. The wording varies. Read the confirmation screens carefully: this erases personal data. After setup, test the key before reinstalling apps. If it still fails on a clean setup, stop troubleshooting and arrange inspection or repair.

Common Mistakes

Assuming every failure is a software issue. A key that does not work anywhere, including Safe mode, may have a hardware fault, especially after a drop, pressure, or liquid exposure.
Factory-resetting too early. A reset can erase data and may not help a damaged key. Try cleaning, restarting, and Safe mode first, and verify a backup before resetting.
Pressing harder or prying around the key. The Back key senses touch; it is not a mechanical button. Tools and excessive pressure can damage the display or bezel.
Blaming the key when only one app is affected. Test it in multiple screens and apps before taking broader action.
Confusing a forced restart with a reset. Holding Power and Volume Down briefly restarts a frozen phone; do not select wipe or factory-reset options from recovery menus.

Tips

Record when the problem started and whether it followed an app install, update, drop, or contact with moisture. This helps narrow down the cause.
Test the key after each change instead of changing several settings at once.
If a protector seems responsible, remove it carefully and test before buying a replacement.
Use the on-screen navigation option only as a workaround. A repair is more appropriate if the touch-sensitive key remains dead across the system.

Troubleshooting

The key works on the Home screen but not inside one app: Close and reopen the app, check whether it has an update, and try another app. If only that app is affected, report the issue to its developer or use its own navigation controls temporarily.

The key fails intermittently: Remove the case or protector, clean and dry the area, restart, and repeat the test in Safe mode. If it improves only when an accessory is removed, replace or adjust that accessory. If the problem continues, a failing touch sensor or internal connection is possible.

The phone has been wet, dropped, or damaged: Do not keep pressing the key or try to open the phone. If it is wet, disconnect charging accessories and avoid charging it; arrange professional inspection. If the display is cracked or the phone is bent, stop using it if operation seems unsafe and seek repair.

The Back key and other touch areas fail: Restart and test the display in several places. Wider touch failures may point to a display or digitizer problem rather than the Back key alone. Back up data if possible and seek service.

Nothing changes after a factory reset: Do not repeat the reset. If the key still fails before restoring apps, contact a qualified phone repair service. Ask about diagnosis and data handling before handing over the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Galaxy S7 without the Back button?
Yes, temporarily. Look in Settings under Accessibility for an assistant menu or other on-screen navigation option. Availability and names depend on the installed software.

Why does the Back button work in some apps but not others?
An individual app may be frozen, may handle navigation differently, or may have a bug. If the key works elsewhere, restart or update that app before suspecting hardware.

Will a restart erase my photos?
A normal or forced restart should not erase personal data. A factory data reset does, so back up and verify important files before choosing it.

Does Safe mode delete downloaded apps?
No. It temporarily disables downloaded apps while the phone is in Safe mode. Restart normally to return to regular use.

When should I get the phone repaired?
Seek inspection if the Back key fails throughout the phone, including Safe mode, or if the phone was dropped, exposed to liquid, or has other touch-screen problems. A persistent failure after a clean reset also suggests hardware trouble.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.